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Related Concept Videos

Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells01:17

Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells

Cells undergoing apoptosis form apoptotic bodies that must be removed immediately to prevent inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and necrosis. Phagocytosis is carried out by professional phagocytes such as macrophages or  immature dendritic cells. Non-professional phagocytes such as  epithelial cells and fibroblasts also take part in this process; however, they are not as effective as professional phagocytes. 
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.
The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway01:17

The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway

The extrinsic apoptotic pathway is initiated when extracellular death-inducing signals, such as specific cytokines, activate the death receptors expressed on the cell surface. The immune cells involved in this pathway are natural killer cells (NK cells) and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. NK cells are critical in innate immune response, while cytotoxic T-lymphocytes are associated with adaptive immune response. These cells recognize specific receptors expressed on the altered cells and activate...
Apoptosis01:30

Apoptosis

Apoptosis is a combination of two Greek words, 'apo' and 'ptosis,' meaning separation and falling off, respectively. Hippocrates used this word to describe gangrene, which was caused due to bandaging of fractured bones. Apoptosis was distinguished from necrosis in 1970 when John Kerr reported observations of morphological changes occurring during apoptosis. During one experiment, he observed that the disruption of blood supply to the liver tissue resulted in a size reduction of the tissue.

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Isolation of Primary Human Decidual Cells from the Fetal Membranes of Term Placentae
07:37

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Published on: April 30, 2018

Apoptotic DC-SIGN+ cells in normal human decidua.

I Tirado-González1, R Muñoz-Fernández, A Prados

  • 1Instituto de Biopatología y Medicina Regenerativa, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Universidad de Granada, 18100 Armilla, Granada, Spain.

Placenta
|January 21, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Natural pregnancy involves immune cells in the decidua. Research shows natural killer (NK) cells may induce apoptosis in dendritic cells (DC-SIGN+ cells) during normal pregnancy, potentially aiding maternal-fetal tolerance.

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Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Reproductive Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Normal pregnancy and spontaneous abortion involve immune responses.
  • The decidua contains dendritic cells expressing DC-SIGN (CD209).
  • Decidual dendritic cells may influence pregnancy outcomes, but their interaction with NK cells is poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence of conjugates between DC-SIGN+ cells and CD56+ NK cells in normal human decidua.
  • To explore the functional significance of these cell-cell interactions in early pregnancy.

Main Methods:

  • Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy were used to identify DC-SIGN+ and CD56+ cell conjugates in human decidual leukocyte suspensions.
  • Apoptosis was assessed using TUNEL assays and annexin V staining.
  • Cell morphology, including nuclear features, was examined.

Main Results:

  • Conjugates of decidual DC-SIGN+ cells and CD56+ NK cells were frequently observed (over 40% by flow cytometry, over 50% by confocal microscopy).
  • A significant proportion of DC-SIGN+ cells exhibited markers of apoptosis (TUNEL+ and annexin V+).
  • Sorted DC-SIGN+ cells displayed multilobulated nuclei.

Conclusions:

  • The findings strongly suggest that CD56+ NK cells induce apoptosis in DC-SIGN+ cells during normal human pregnancy.
  • This interaction may play a crucial role in establishing and maintaining maternal-fetal tolerance.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms and implications for pregnancy health.